Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 24, 2016 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Tourism is seeking to strengthen the yachting sector with a meeting of key stakeholders of the sector that convened on Monday (October 24), to discuss the formulation of the St. Kitts and Nevis Yachting Sector Strategic Plan 2016-2021.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Mrs. Carlene Henry Morton, speaking at the meeting, which was held at the Pavilion, Christophe Harbour, explained that such meetings are integral to the continued development of the Yachting Sector, a sector, which according to Mrs. Morton offers the possibility of many benefits for the Federation.

“What we are trying to do is formalize and incentivize, in some respects, the yachting sector. We have a fairly good grasp of the operations and what is involved. These discussions will take place from time to time as we build.”

Mrs. Morton expressed gratitude to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC) for its support in the development of the sector.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Minister Grant, I would like to say thanks to our ECLAC representatives who are here, Mr. Phillip and Ms. Stewart.”

Mr. Millard Phillip, ECLAC Representative, indicated that the ECLAC’s role is to facilitate the further development of the sector in the Federation. Providing a historical context of the ECLAC’s involvement in the sector he noted that ECLAC has “been involved in specific, substantive work in the development of the yachting Sector in the Caribbean for quite some time,” adding that, “ECLAC is pleased to work along with the government to ensure the success of the sector.”

Maritime Consultant, Ms. Nichola Stewart, speaking about the aim of the discussions indicated that it is her hope that the preliminary discussions will allow for the identification of “objectives and how they would be prioritized,” further stating, “We are interested to know from the different aspects of the maritime industry, how elements of the plan will affect each aspect of each stake holder’s interest.”